Pet Grooming Orange County

Why You Should Consider Adopting Two Adult Cats

By

Why You Should Consider Adopting Two Adult Cats

In shelters and rescue facilities everywhere people gravitate towards kittens and puppies, ignoring all of the older animals.  While it’s wonderful that more people are choosing to adopt, there are many benefits to adding an adult pet to your family. Even better, when you add two adult cats you save two lives and bring twice as much unconditional love into your life. Let’s discuss the many benefits of adopting two adult cats.

Even though adult cats don’t seem to need as much attention as kittens, all pets thrive when they receive lots of attention and stimulation. Cats are far less likely to engage in destructive behaviors when they have another cat to play with.

Numerous studies have found that when a cat shares its home with another cat, both cats are happier and healthier. Cats that live with a friend are sick less often, have shorter hospital stays and live longer.

Since adult cats have already developed their personalities, you will know if the cat you are interested in prefers the company of other cats or not. When you adopt from a rescue you get the benefit of finding out which cats do best together. Many times, adult cats at the rescue will already be bonded with another cat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of the profits from all pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Bottom of Form

 

Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat

By

Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat

First impressions are so important, especially when it comes to dogs and cats. If you are thinking of adding a new feline friend to your household, you will want to keep the introduction as calm as possible for both animals. Although it might take some time, if your dog is properly trained the introduction to your new cat should go smoothly.

Before bringing home a new cat, train your dog to “sit”, “stay” and “leave it”. Sitting and staying will keep your dog calm and still during their initial meeting, and the leave it command can be used to stop your dog from chasing the cat. Just prior to their introduction, take your dog for a long walk. This will make your dog tired and less likely to chase the cat.

Put your new cat in a crate and give it plenty of treats to reinforce the experience as positive. Allow the cat to smell some of your dog’s things so that it can get used to your dog’s scent. If possible, try feeding your dog and cat on either side of a closed door. This will help them associate the scent and sound of each other with a pleasant experience.

To introduce your pets, crate your cat and place the crate on a table so that it’s out of your dog’s direct reach. Leash your dog and bring it into the room. Tell your dog to sit and stay. Once everyone is calm with no hissing, lip licking, growling, barking or lunging, offer both your dog and cat a treat. This will help each of them associate the experience as a positive one. Calmly praise each pet for calm, non-aggressive behavior. If both animals remain calm you can let your cat out of the crate. Continue to praise each animal for behaving calmly.

If your dog attempts to lunge at the cat during their initial meeting, use the leave it command. If the aggressive behavior continues, keep the cat in the crate and calmly take your dog out of the room on its leash. Try the introduction again on another day. Remember to only reward your dog and cat for non-aggressive behavior.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of the profits from all pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Black Cats and Halloween

By

Black Cats and Halloween

Even though most Halloween customs date back to the ancient celebration of Samhain, the association of black cats with Halloween is a far more recent addition. During the Middle Ages, cats began to be associated with witches. The exact reason for this is unclear but historians believe that it has something to do with a cat’s nocturnal nature. The powerful association between witches and cats, especially black cats, persisted throughout the years. Today, modern celebrations of Halloween often include images of the wicked witch with a black cat right behind her.

During ancient witch trials, cats were often tortured and killed by puritans along with the supposed witches. This occurred because many believed that witches had the ability to change shape into a cat and that both cats and witches were evil. Many people also believed that witches would sacrifice cats during their rituals. Because of communal reinforcement, many animal shelters will not allow the adoption of black cats around Halloween for fear of their abuse.

It is always a good idea to keep all cats indoors during Halloween, regardless of their color. Even if there is no one meaning ill will in your neighborhood or community, the sheer number of people out and about on Halloween, combined with the increased vehicular traffic make the outdoors a scary and unsafe place for our furry friends.

Keep your pets locked inside an interior room in your house on Halloween so that they do not panic when children come to your door in costume. Even the calmest of cats can become upset at the endless doorbell ringing and constant screaming of “trick or treat”. Remember to enjoy yourself this Halloween while trying to make the holiday as stress-free as possible for your feline friend.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality grooming services for both dogs and cats in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment please call 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

 

Embracing Consignment

By

This N That Consignment Supports Claws N Paws!

Embracing Consignment

The recent downturn of the economy has left most people looking for creative ways to stretch their money. The good news is that you can still purchase quality high-end items on a budget when you shop consignment.

A consignment shop is a store that sells gently used merchandise at a discounted rate. However, consignment stores shouldn’t be confused with thrift stores. Thrift stores sell donated items with nothing given back to the person who donates. Consignment stores actually split their profits with the people that provide the items that they sell. While the items at consignment shops are second hand, they are usually in much better condition than what you would find at a thrift store. In fact most consignment shops will only accept items that are in very good to excellent condition.

Consignment shops offer a variety of different items. Because everything is priced so reasonably, you are able to get a lot more for your money. When you shop consignment you might be able to find everything from antiques and collectibles to modern art.

If you would like to get even more out of your money, you should consider selling your gently used items to your favorite consignment shop. This is an excellent way to get rid of your unwanted things and make a little extra money at the same time. Make sure that the items you wish to sell are clean, free from tears and in good condition. Shopping consignment is an excellent way to save money and make money at the same time.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to most areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

 

When Cats Don’t Get Along

By

When Cats Don’t Get AlongLil Girl

Cats are extremely territorial creatures. It is not uncommon for cats to not allow another cat into their home. Just because a cat is sweet and mellow with you does not necessarily mean that they will be sweet to another cat. Unfortunately there is no training method to guarantee that a cat will ever get along with another cat. Sometimes they just need to be the only cat in the household. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of aggression and what causes them.

Territorial Aggression

Territorial aggression occurs when a cat feels that an intruder has invaded their territory. This type of aggression typically presents itself after a new cat comes home, a kitten reaches maturity or a cat sees another cat outside. Behaviors include stalking, chasing, ambushing, hissing, growling, loud meowing, squatting and preventing access to places such as the litter box.

Inter-male Aggression

It’s not uncommon for male cats to threaten and fight with other males in a household. This is more common with un-neutered cats. Cats showing inter-male aggression will stalk, stare, howl and puff up their fur. If one of the cats backs down and walks away, the other cat will probably walk away as well. However, if no one backs down the cats might actually fight. You can break up a fight by clapping loudly, throwing a pillow nearby or squirting them with water. However, never step in the middle of a cat fight.

Defensive Aggression

Defensive aggression occurs when a cat attempts to protect itself from an animal or human that it feels it cannot escape. The cat crouches with legs and tail pulled in under its body, its ears flattened against its head and it will roll slightly to the side. Approaching a cat in this posture is likely to cause it to attack.

Redirected Aggression

Cats with redirected aggression show aggression to another animal or human that did not initially provoke the behavior from them. This often happens when a cat sees another cat outside. Your cat is so worked up about the cat outside that when you try to pet it, it bites you. It’s important to respond to this type of aggression in a way that keeps both you and your cat safe.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats looking for a second chance. Pictured above is Lil Miss. Lil Miss is a beautiful short hair cat. She was given up because does not get along with other cats. Please consider giving Lil Miss a chance at her forever home. For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

Is It OK to Change a Cat’s Name After Adoption?

By

Is It OK to Change a Cat’s Name After Adoption?

People often wonder if they should change the name of the cat that they adopt. Sometimes they do not like the cat’s name or they feel that it doesn’t fit the cat’s personality. Whatever the reason, it’s tempting to rename a newly adopted cat. So, is it ok to change a cat’s name after adoption? Absolutely! It’s fun and easy to train a cat to accept a new name.

While some cats recognize their names, others do not. If it’s not immediately obvious that a newly adopted cat knows its name, then renaming it will not be an issue. However, if the cat readily responds to its name then you will need to make a decision. Most evidence suggests that changing a cat’s name has absolutely no effect on its long-term health and well-being. Naming a cat something you like will strengthen your connection with your new feline friend.

When you adopt a new cat, your first priority should be to make it feel comfortable. Introduce the cat to your home slowly. If your cat seems stressed out, try using its old name to calm it down. After a few days you can start to use your cat’s new name. Cats are easily trainable and name recognition is an important part of the training process. Renaming your new friend will help you build your relationship from the ground up.

When looking for a name for your new cat, you might want to use a variety of different resources. Lists can be found online for popular names, and even the names of celebrity cats. You could name your cat for its appearance or personality or after a loved one. If you choose a name that is similar to its old one, then it will be easier for your cat to make the switch.

Remember that it will take a little time for your cat to learn its new name. Positive association can go a long way towards helping it learn. Try saying your cat’s name out loud before offering food, treats, toys and affection. Once your cat associates its name with good things, it will begin to come when you call.

The cat pictured above is Max. Max is available for adoption at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Max is a neutered male, approximately one – two years old. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a visit with Max.